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Substance Use Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Counselor - (CADC)

Hartford, CT · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Substance Abuse Counselorwill be in charge with assisting patients through medically assisting ... Our ultimate goal is to address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of opioid use disorder ...

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Services will include provision of comprehensive assessment, ongoing counseling for mental health, substance use and co-occurring presentations, case management and collaboration, referrals to ...

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The Recovery Coach supports individuals in need of substance use services to live independently in the community. They work within the Agency's team model, establishing open communication, support ...

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration!

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Substance Use information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$32.9K

$58.8K

$84.2K

How much do substance use jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use in Springfield, MA is $58,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $68,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substance Use Counselor, you need a background in psychology, social work, or counseling, often supported by state licensure or certification in addiction counseling. Familiarity with treatment planning software, electronic health records (EHRs), and evidence-based intervention techniques is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and strong communication abilities are essential for building trust and supporting clients through recovery. These competencies are crucial for effectively guiding individuals through treatment, ensuring ethical care, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What is a substance use counselor?

A substance use counselor is a professional who helps individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. They provide support through assessment, treatment planning, counseling sessions, and recovery strategies. Substance use counselors may work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or private practices, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their goal is to guide clients toward recovery and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.

What is the difference between Substance Use vs Substance Use Counselor?

AspectSubstance UseSubstance Use Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certificationCertification required (e.g., CADC, CSAC)
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, hospitals, outreach programsRehabilitation centers, clinics, private practice
Industry UsageRefers to the issue or topic of substance useRefers to professionals providing treatment and support

Substance Use describes the issue or behavior related to the consumption of substances, while a Substance Use Counselor is a trained professional who provides treatment and support for individuals struggling with substance use problems. The counselor's role involves assessment, counseling, and developing recovery plans, whereas Substance Use refers to the broader topic or problem itself.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in substance use counseling, and how can they be effectively managed?

Substance use counselors often encounter challenges such as managing client relapse, navigating complex co-occurring mental health disorders, and maintaining clear professional boundaries. Building strong therapeutic alliances, participating in regular supervision, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can help address these difficulties. Ongoing training in trauma-informed care and self-care strategies are also essential for sustaining effectiveness and personal well-being in this emotionally demanding field.
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Substance Use jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Substance Use job openings:
Infographic showing various Substance Use job openings in Springfield, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,807 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Substance Use Counselor

Substance Use Counselor

COMMUNITY RENEWAL TEAM INC

Hartford, CT • On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Community Renewal Team rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:     Substance Use Counselor

DEPARTMENT:         Clinical Services

FLSA STATUS:            Exempt            

PAY GRADE:             9        

REPORTS TO:             Director of Integrated Services-MAT   

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The Substance Use counselor will support the Agency’s needs by providing full range of group and Individual services to adults providing effective evidence-based individual, group counseling to individuals who have substance use diagnosis

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

  • Use Motivational Interventions to assist clients in meeting their goals and moving along their paths to recovery, utilizing stage wise interventions
  • Provides psycho-educational rehabilitation in individual and group settings, for recovery from substance use and psychiatric disorders, utilizing curriculum that is trauma informed and gender responsive.
  • Develop crisis plans for clients and work with other staff to respond to crisis situations as needed
  • Support individual with linking and engaging with natural (family, friends) or community supports.
  • Provide intensive skill building interventions and support for self-management, self-advocacy, health and well-being, relapse prevention, and using community resources
  • Provides coordination of care to create an appropriate discharge plan.
  • Maintains documentation in compliance with agency and program standards.
  • Participates in staff meetings, supervision, trainings and other meetings as assigned.
  • Work with other professional staff to collaborate on treatment methods and plans for patients and to assess suitability for services or referrals to other treatment centers/services
  • Conduct research as needed to develop new treatment methods and to stay up to date on changes within the field
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures as outlined in the employee handbook, including how to handle patient grievances, proper intake procedures, staff meeting requirements and general code of conduct
  • Create and modify individualized treatment strategies based on research, clinical knowledge, patient history and evaluations of progress.
  • Identifies, prevents and reports unsafe situations; uses appropriate procedures to assure safety environment
  • Conducts brief, evidence-based and developmentally appropriate screening and conducts or arranges for more detailed assessments when indicated.
  • Creates and/or implements integrated care plans, ensures access to linked services; exchanges information among clients, family members, and providers.
  • Provides range of brief, focused prevention, treatment and recovery services for clients.
  • Assess patients’ Substance use dependency status continually by collecting and evaluating urine samples

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Perform all other duties as assigned

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience

Minimum Years of Experience in 4 years’ experience of substance use 

Active Certification in good standing in: Certified Addiction Counseling (CAC) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) is required. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Demonstrate skills in: Substance use counseling, treating adults age 18 and over. Strong group facilitating skills

Knowledge of:  Substance use, Harm Reduction Model. Electronic health record documentation requirements, Treatment plans, discharge planning. Understanding and ability to learn Co-occurring Treatment. Knowledge of treatment modalities CBT, MI, and DBT. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, active listening, and progress monitoring. Perceptive emotional judgement and decision-making. Strong social awareness and compassion for challenging, sensitive interactions

Physical and TB Required   Yes, prior to appointment

Bilingual:    preferred   - Language Spanish     Fluent – Speak & Written Yes

Driving Required:         Yes                 Agency Vehicle   Yes              Employee’s Own Vehicle Yes

Active Driver License in good standing required upon hire and throughout employment   

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks involve sedentary to light work, involving some reaching, handling, fingering and/or feeling of objects and materials.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability.

Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience

Minimum Years of Experience in 4 years’ experience of substance use 

Active Certification in good standing in: Certified Addiction Counseling (CAC) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) is required. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Demonstrate skills in: Substance use counseling, treating adults age 18 and over. Strong group facilitating skills

Knowledge of:  Substance use, Harm Reduction Model. Electronic health record documentation requirements, Treatment plans, discharge planning. Understanding and ability to learn Co-occurring Treatment. Knowledge of treatment modalities CBT, MI, and DBT. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, active listening, and progress monitoring. Perceptive emotional judgement and decision-making. Strong social awareness and compassion for challenging, sensitive interactions

Physical and TB Required   Yes, prior to appointment

Bilingual:    preferred   - Language Spanish     Fluent – Speak & Written Yes

Driving Required:         Yes                 Agency Vehicle   Yes              Employee’s Own Vehicle Yes

Active Driver License in good standing required upon hire and throughout employment   

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks involve sedentary to light work, involving some reaching, handling, fingering and/or feeling of objects and materials.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability.

Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.